Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Bighorn fishing report for this fine Wednesday, April 30th.

The Bighorn River is really coming alive now as we push into late April. Water's finally clearing up nicely after that greenish tinge we saw earlier this month, and the grass that was breaking off has mostly cleared out. Water temps are climbing steadily with our recent stretch of warmer weather, which has the fish increasingly active.

The BWO hatches I mentioned might be coming a couple weeks back? They're now in full swing! Blue-winged olives are bringing fish to the surface when conditions are right, especially during cloudy periods. This is giving us some consistent dry fly fishing opportunities that we've been waiting for all spring.

Fish activity has been excellent lately. The rainbows and browns have fully woken from their winter slumber and are feeding aggressively. They know it's time to pack on the calories. Nymphing is still producing the most consistent action, but don't miss those afternoon dry fly windows when the BWOs are popping.

For flies, I'm having great success with Black Micro Mayflies, Pearl/Olive Jiggy Perdigons, Black Zebra Midges, and Tailwater Sowbugs in the 16-20 size range. The scud patterns in olive and orange are working well too. And never underestimate a good ol' worm pattern on the Bighorn - pink, red, or brown, they're all getting grabs. For the dry fly folks, size 18-20 BWO patterns are your ticket right now.

Streamer fishing has been hit or miss but is producing some of the larger fish. Try Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls, but fish them slow and deep since the bigger fish are still holding in the deeper runs.

For hot spots, the stretch below 3-Mile Access has been particularly productive, especially in the deeper slots where fish are piled up. Also check out the area around Bighorn Access where there's been tremendous action in the morning hours.

The river's been a bit crowded on weekends, but midweek fishing gives you plenty of elbow room. Get out early to claim your spot - sunrise is around 6:00 AM these days, with sunset pushing toward 8:15 PM, giving us nice long days on the water.

No tidal report needed here on our beautiful tailwater! Weather for the next few days looks mighty fine - temps in the 60s with some scattered clouds, perfect for those BWO hatches.

Tight lines, y'all! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Stop by the shop for the latest intel if you're heading this way!

Greetings from Big Horn Montana, this is Artificial Lure bringing you today’s fishing report for April 23rd, 2025.

Spring has truly sprung on the Bighorn River and the fish are awake and hungry after their winter slumber. Weather is finally mild enough for a full day out, though expect some wind which is typical this time of year. Sunrise hit around 6:08 AM this morning, with sunset coming up at 8:12 PM—plenty of daylight for a long float or to work a few favorite runs from shore.

No tides to worry about out here, just solid river flows. The water is still carrying a bit of a green tinge in places, with some grass and moss breaking up, but clarity is improving downstream of the Afterbay and should be prime in the coming days. Flows are steady, and water temps are still cool, so the fish are piled up in the deeper runs.

Nymphing remains the top producer this week. Fish are gorging on sowbugs and scuds, so be sure to rig double nymphs with a Tailwater Sowbug or Firebead Sow Bug paired up with a black Zebra Midge or BWO nymph. Worm patterns in any color are also working well—think San Juan Worms, Bloody Marys, and various Perdigons. For those who like it flashy, Pearl or Olive Jiggy Perdigons have landed quite a few rainbows lately. The streamer bite is coming on, with Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls getting chases from big browns if you work the deeper, slower slots[1][4][5].

Dry fly action is just starting to heat up with midday BWO hatches if the clouds roll in and the wind calms down. Keep a small BWO or Griffith’s Gnat handy if you see fish rising during the warmest part of the afternoon.

Reports from the last few days have been solid, especially on nymphs and streamers. Anglers are netting good numbers of healthy brown and rainbow trout, especially near the Afterbay Dam and down through Three Mile and Mallards Access. Trout numbers hold strong as always here—expect to connect with fish in the 14 to 18 inch range, with the occasional beast pushing past 20.

For hot spots, focus your efforts from the Afterbay down to Three Mile in the morning, then slide downstream towards Bighorn Access by afternoon. Fish are congregated in the deeper, slower runs—look for structure and seams.

It’s shaping up to be an excellent week as the river clears. Stock up on sowbugs, worms, and flashy streamers and you’ll stay tight to fish all day. Good luck out there and tight lines from Big Horn.

Artificial Lure reporting in with your Big Horn Montana fishing update for April 21, 2025.

The river is in classic early spring shape with water clearing up nicely. Recent days brought some lingering grass and a tinge of green, but overall clarity is improving and fishing has been productive. The river’s running cool, so dress in layers if you’re heading out. Weather today is crisp in the morning with highs forecast around the upper 50s. Expect a light breeze by midday. Sunrise came in at 6:09 AM and sunset will be about 8:09 PM, giving plenty of daylight for a long session on the water.

We’re not dealing with tides on the Bighorn, but flow rates are steady and wade fishing is safe and accessible. Angler pressure remains light, so you’ll have your pick of holes, especially upstream of Afterbay Dam and down through Three Mile and Mallards Landing. These access points are hot spots this week.

The nymph bite has been consistently good. Top producers are Cotton Candies, Jellybeans, Tailwater Sows, Copper Zebras, Green Weenies, UV Scuds, Silver Bullets, LBFs, and Pill Poppers. Fish these under an indicator in slow seams and drop-offs. Small midge patterns and BWO nymphs can be deadly, especially as the sun gets higher and midges start to hatch off.

Streamer fishing is picking up, mostly later in the day as water temps rise. Strip darker patterns through deeper runs for a shot at hungry browns and rainbows. Scuds and sowbugs are still the staple food, and the numbers are impressive—expect to see plenty of strong rainbows and the odd trophy brown.

Dry fly action is ramping up with some blue-wing olive and midge activity on sunny afternoons, but it’s still hit and miss. If you see rising fish, tie on a BWO or midge emerger in size 18 or 20.

For bait, fly anglers are sticking to the usual suspects: sowbugs, scuds, and midges. If you’re throwing hardware or spinning gear, small jigs and marabou grubs in natural or olive shades are your best bet.

Recent catches include plenty of rainbows in the 14 to 18-inch range with a few browns pushing 20 inches coming from deeper pools. The action has been steady throughout the day, with the afternoons fishing a little hotter as things warm up.

To sum it up, the Bighorn is in prime early spring form—clear water, cool temps, and plenty of fish on the bite. Aim for Afterbay Dam, Three Mile, and Mallards for your best shot at numbers and size. Dress warm, bring a good selection of sowbugs, scuds, and midges, and don’t forget a streamer rod for the big boys. Tight lines from Artificial Lure—see you on the river.

Sources: [1][3][4]

Good morning from Fort Smith, this is Artificial Lure giving you the fishing scoop for April 20, 2025, here on the Big Horn River and the surrounding area.

The river’s in fine spring shape today. Flows are running a steady 2240 cfs and the water is nice and clear, with afternoon temps sitting around 48 degrees. We’ve had a stretch of cool nights lately that’s kept the river clean, though there’s still a bit of grass breaking off in spots, so keep that in mind—it should stick around for a couple more weeks. The weather’s finally settled after a breezy patch, with the sun peeking through and comfortable springtime highs expected, making for a great day to be out on the water.

Daylight’s getting longer, with sunrise just past 6:15 this morning and sunset a little before 8:10 tonight, so you’ve got plenty of time on the water. Of course, no tidal reports for us inlanders, but that sun’s warmth in the afternoons has been bringing the fish up and getting the bugs hatching.

Now, the fish: the Bighorn is living up to its reputation. The trout are waking up hungry after winter. Anglers are reporting “epic” fishing this week, especially in the afternoons, with plenty of healthy browns and rainbows brought to hand. Most folks are picking up numbers on nymph rigs—think scuds, sowbugs, and midges, especially cream or red in sizes 20 to 22, rigged tandem under a strike indicator. The blue-winged olives have started hatching more reliably, and you’ll see some fish taking dries in the softer runs if you keep your eyes peeled.

Streamer fans are in luck—white belly sculpins, black and olive matukas, and articulated patterns in size 4 to 6 are pulling fish, especially working the deeper slots and seams. With water this clear, a subtle retrieve is working best. If you’re fishing late, try a Woolly Bugger or a Zonker.

For those looking to fish dries, midges and BWOs are the ticket. Look for heads in the afternoons in the back eddies and quieter water.

Hot spots right now include the stretch just below Afterbay Dam, where the fish are stacking up in the deep runs, and Three Mile Access, which has been particularly productive for both nymphs and streamers. The lower river is clearing up nicely too, so don’t be afraid to explore down towards Bighorn Access or Mallard’s Landing.

In summary: nymphs and streamers lead the charge, with some dry fly action picking up. Scuds, sowbugs, midge larva, and olive or black streamers are the baits of choice right now. Fish are active and the river’s in great shape, so grab your gear and get out there—the bite’s on.

Stay safe and tight lines. This is Artificial Lure, signing off from the Bighorn.

Good morning from Big Horn Montana, this is Artificial Lure with your fresh-off-the-water fishing report for April 19th, 2025.

We kicked things off today with a beautiful sunrise at about 6:28 AM. Expect sunset around 8:03 PM, giving you a generous window for casting. With the river flows holding steady near 2040 CFS, conditions have been very friendly to both wading and floating anglers lately. Though we’re a long way from the coast and see no tidal influence, this spring weather feels just about perfect for a day on the water—moderate temperatures, occasional light rain, and mostly overcast skies. Some windy spells are rolling through, so pack a windbreaker and keep an eye on your casts.

Fish activity is lively. Bighorn’s trout are coming out of their winter slumber and biting aggressively. Most of the action has been sub-surface, with nymphing outproducing dries by a long shot. Early mornings and late afternoons are your prime times, but honestly, the bite has stayed steady all day for those willing to stick it out.

Recent catches have averaged strong numbers of healthy brown and rainbow trout, with an estimated 3,500 trout per mile in this stretch. Anglers are reporting fish from 14 to 18 inches fairly regularly, and a few 20-inchers were landed near Afterbay Dam and Three Mile in the last couple of days. Hot flies this week are black micro mayfly nymphs, pearl or olive jiggy perdigons, black zebra midges, and tailwater sowbugs. Scuds and worms—about any color—are also reliable, so don’t leave those behind. Streamer fans have found success with slow retrieves using Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and the classic Geisha Girl. If you’re after larger trout, let your streamers get deep before you start your retrieve.

For anglers who like to try dries, there’s been some midge hatch activity, but rising fish have been sporadic. Bring patience or stick to the nymph game if you want numbers. For bait anglers at Bighorn Lake, nightcrawlers and minnows can produce, but fly tactics are the main event on the river right now.

A couple of hot spots have been lighting up: Afterbay Dam remains the prime launch and fishing area, with plenty of deep slow runs for nymphing and streamer fishing. Three Mile and Mallards are also producing well—look for deeper slots and seams where fish are stacking up.

All said, now is the time to be on the Bighorn. Fish are hungry, the crowds are light, and the river is showing off her spring best. Good luck and tight lines from Artificial Lure—see you on the water soon!

Good morning folks, Artificial Lure here with your latest report from Big Horn, Montana, for April 18, 2025.

We’re waking up to fresh snow and gusty winds this morning in the Bighorn Valley, with a winter storm warning lingering until noon. There’s anywhere from 4 to 12 inches of wet snow on the ground, especially close to the mountains and up by the canyon, and winds have been pushing 35 miles an hour. This weather has made some roads pretty slick, so if you’re coming from out of town, plan on some extra time and drive safe. Luckily, by the time you’re on the water, the worst of the storm should be clearing off and leaving us with brisk, fishy spring air and a river in prime shape[6][1].

Sunrise hit just before 6:20 a.m. and sunset will be around 8:03 p.m. today, so anglers have plenty of daylight to work with. No tides to worry about here, just consistent flows fed by the Afterbay Dam.

Fishing on the Bighorn has been excellent despite the chilly weather. Crowds are light, the water is running clear for the most part, and the bite has been steady—hungry post-winter trout are on the move. Water temps are still cold, so most fish are holding deep and nymphing is far and away your best bet today.

Best nymph patterns lately have been Cotton Candies, Tailwater Sows, Copper Zebras, Green Weenies, UV Scuds, and Pill Poppers in size 14-18. Red Bead Carpet Bugs and various worms (red, pink, orange) have also been pulling fish out of the deep slots. If you’re tying your own, don’t leave home without some Firebead Ray Charles in tan, pink, or gray, and classic Bighorn Scuds[1][3][4].

Streamer fishing is picking up steam as temps nudge upwards through the day. Sparkle Minnows, Rusty Trombones, Pete’s Buggers, and even a good old Goldie are drawing strikes from bigger browns, especially late afternoon once things warm up a touch. Strip them low and slow through deep buckets and runs[1][3].

Not much topwater action yet—midges are showing and you might spot a few BWO’s downriver, but most fish are staying subsurface until water warms further, likely in another week or two[2][5][8].

On the catch front, anglers are reporting strong numbers of healthy browns and rainbows, many pushing 16 to 18 inches, with some bigger fish mixed in. The slots below Afterbay Dam, Three Mile, and the edges around Two Leggins and Mallards have been especially productive. For those willing to risk the weather, these classic hot spots are tough to beat today[2][5].

If you’re more of a spin angler, small Rapalas in rainbow or silver, Panther Martins in brown or gold, and gold spoons like Cast Masters are solid choices. Just remember to swap out those trebles for single hooks to minimize damage[7][10].

No bait is allowed in the upper Bighorn, so keep it artificial and keep it moving.

Bundle up, bring your patience for the weather, and get ready for some feisty spring trout. Tight lines from Artificial Lure—see you on the water!

This is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Bighorn Montana fishing report for April 16 2025. It’s classic spring out here on the upper Bighorn River, with the river looking clear and running near normal at around 2240 cubic feet per second. Afternoon water temps are coming up to 48 degrees and, with the recent string of nicer weather, the fish are waking up hungry and the crowds have stayed pretty light. It’s a great time to be on the water if you like a little elbow room and some consistent action.

No tides to report of course, being a tailwater trout fishery, but the sun rose today at about 6:27 am and will set at 7:52 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to put in a full day of fishing. Spring winds have been on and off in the valley, but the days are warming up and the bite is good all along the main river stretches. Even with the occasional chilly night, the river is in fine condition.

Trout are active—mostly browns and rainbows averaging 16 inches, with a good number pushing past 18. Most folks have found the nymph bite steady and reliable, especially during the afternoon warmup. Anglers are landing solid numbers on Cotton Candies, Jellybeans, Tailwater Sows, Copper Zebras, Green Weenies, UV Scuds, Silver Bullets, and Pill Poppers. Sowbugs and midge nymph rigs are bringing fish consistently, especially if you get those flies down deep and keep your leader long and light. Don’t forget about worms, especially after a rain or warm spell, as they can really turn the bite on.

Streamer fishing is also solid right now as the fish are looking to bulk up after winter. Articulated streamers like Black Matuka, Olive or White Belly Sculpins, Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Rusty Trombones are great choices. Fish them low and slow through the deeper slots and you’re likely to tie into some bigger trout. Early in the day, stick with the nymphs but as the water warms, switch it up with a streamer.

Not much dry fly action yet—though there are some midday midge and occasional BWO hatches downriver. Keep an eye out for rising fish if you hit a warm, calm pocket in the afternoon.

Hot spots to check out today are the Afterbay to Three Mile stretch, where the water runs clean and there’s good access, and the islands below Mallards Landing, which are holding nice pods of fish along the seams and deeper undercuts.

In summary: Good water, hungry trout, and light crowds. Nymphs and streamers are your best bet, with most action coming midday to late afternoon. Fish hard, stay safe, and enjoy one of the Bighorn’s finest spring weeks. Tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Fishing on the Bighorn River today, April 14, 2025, is shaping up to be excellent, with the river in great condition and fish actively feeding. The stream flow is steady at approximately 2,240 cfs, and the water clarity is clear, offering ideal conditions for anglers. Water temperatures are hovering around 48°F, which favors both nymphing and streamer fishing.

The weather today in the Big Horn, Montana area is cool and crisp with some cloud cover, a promising sign for fish activity. Sunrise was at 6:22 AM, and sunset will be at 7:57 PM, providing plenty of daylight for a full day on the water.

Recent catches in the Bighorn have been impressive. Anglers are reporting good numbers of brown and rainbow trout, with an estimated 3,500 trout per mile in this fertile tailwater. The size of these fish has been solid, with some browns and rainbows reaching 20 inches or more. Nymphing has been the most productive technique recently, with common patterns like sowbugs, scuds, and midges performing consistently well. Streamers such as Sparkle Minnows and Rusty Trombones are also drawing strikes from larger trout, especially during the warmest part of the day when fish are more likely to chase.

For bait and lures, anglers should focus on the local hatches. Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and midges dominate this time of year. High-performing flies include Cotton Candy, Red Bead Carpet Bugs, Tailwater Sowbugs, and Black Zebra Midges. For streamer enthusiasts, darker patterns like Black Micro Mayflies and Olive Jiggy Perdigons have been yielding success. Spin anglers might find luck with Rapalas in rainbow or silver colors, as well as Panther Martin spinners in black and gold.

Two recommended hotspots for today's fishing are:
1. The Three Mile Access area, where nymphing in riffles and deep runs has been particularly effective.
2. The Afterbay Dam section, where both wading and drifting offer opportunities to hook into large trout. This area is ideal for working streamers along deeper slots and seams.

With light crowds and actively feeding fish, today is a prime day to be on the Bighorn River. Bring your mid-weight rods and fresh tippets, and be prepared to adjust techniques as conditions shift throughout the day. Keep your presentations precise, and you'll leave with stories to tell!

Today, April 13, 2025, the fishing on and around the Bighorn River near Big Horn, Montana is shaping up to be fantastic. The weather is currently mild, with temperatures expected to stay comfortable throughout the day. Sunrise was at 6:21 AM, and sunset will be at 7:58 PM. The day will provide a great mix of daylight for anglers to explore the river.

The river is in excellent condition despite slightly cold water temperatures. Flows are stable, and the water clarity is improving as we move further into spring. Nymphing remains the most reliable technique, with effective flies including Tailwater Sows, Scuds, Red San Juan Worms, and Black Zebra Midges. Streamer fishing has also been productive, particularly as the day warms up. Patterns like Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Rusty Trombones are yielding larger fish. If you’re keen on dry flies, there’s some action on Blue Wing Olives during the warmest parts of the day.

Recent catches include excellent-sized brown and rainbow trout, with many anglers reporting fish in the 16-20 inch range. The Bighorn River is known for its plentiful trout population, and this season the fish are eager to feed after winter slumber.

Recommended hotspots include the stretch from Afterbay Access to Three Mile Access, which provides diverse water types and easy wading. For those seeking larger fish, consider the lower river downstream of Big Horn Access where fish tend to feed more opportunistically—ideal for streamer anglers.

For spin fishing, bring along Panther Martin spinners in gold or black, or try small spoons like the silver and gold Kastmaster. If you're fly fishing, nymph rigs with worms or scuds as lead flies are highly recommended. Streamer anglers should focus on slow and steady retrieves, adding occasional pauses to entice strikes.

Overall, today is an excellent day to get out on the water near Big Horn, Montana. The river is alive, the fish are biting, and the conditions are perfect for creating unforgettable fishing memories. Don’t forget your gear, your Montana fishing license, and—of course—your sense of adventure!

The Bighorn River in Montana is waking up beautifully this spring, offering anglers an exceptional fishing experience. Here’s the latest report for April 12, 2025, to help you make the most of your day on the water.

Weather conditions today are favorable for fishing, with clear skies and mild temperatures expected throughout the day. The sunrise is at 6:28 AM, and sunset will be at 7:53 PM, giving plenty of daylight for a full session on the water. While tidal activity isn't applicable on this freshwater river, the water flow is near normal at approximately 2,320 cubic feet per second (cfs), providing ideal conditions for trout fishing. Water temperatures are still slightly cool, hovering in the upper 40s, making mid-day and early afternoon productive times to fish.

Recent reports indicate an active bite, particularly for Brown and Rainbow Trout, which are abundant in these waters with around 3,500 trout per mile. Nymph fishing has been especially productive, and popular patterns include Cotton Candies, Tailwater Sowbugs, Scuds, and Copper Zebras. Streamer enthusiasts are also seeing success with Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Rusty Trombones, especially in the cooler morning hours and deeper slots.

If you’re venturing out today, midges and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are hatching on the lower river, making it worthwhile to carry small dry flies if you spot rising fish. However, nymphing and streamer fishing remain the most reliable methods currently. For spin anglers, spoons like gold Kastmasters or rainbow-patterned Rapalas are excellent choices.

For those looking to hit the water, a couple of hot spots to explore are the stretches near Afterbay Dam and Three Mile Access. These areas offer a variety of water features, including deep runs and riffles, which provide both habitat for the fish and opportunities for anglers. With fewer crowds this time of year, you'll likely have these prime locations to yourself.

As always, be prepared for changing spring conditions by dressing in layers and bringing a waterproof jacket. With the Bighorn River in excellent shape and the fish biting, today is a perfect day to get out and enjoy this world-class fishery. Good luck and tight lines!